On 21st and 22nd January, prominent Pakistani YouTubers Sohaib Chaudhry and Sana Amjad came forward with chilling accounts of abduction and torture. Both YouTubers had vanished, only to return with shocking details about their disappearance. Their sudden absence sparked widespread speculation on social media platforms, with rumours ranging from voluntary exile to being hanged by the Pakistan Army for their pro-India content. However, in detailed video accounts shared on their YouTube channels, they revealed that a coordinated campaign had been orchestrated to silence their voices and threaten their families.
Sohaib Chaudhry recounts torture and mock executions
Sohaib, well-known for addressing controversial political issues, described his ordeal in painstaking detail. In the video, he said, “At around 2 AM, armed men stormed my home, blindfolded me, and took me to an undisclosed location.” Over the next three weeks, Sohaib was subjected to physical and psychological torture. “I lived in constant fear, thinking each day might be my last. They even staged a mock execution to terrify me into submission.”
He alleged that his captors were linked to a major political party and that they pressured him to join their ranks. “They told me I had three fabricated FIRs against me and warned me that if I didn’t comply, they would destroy my life,” he said.
Despite the threats, Sohaib remained defiant. He added, “Their methods only strengthened my resolve. I will continue to expose the truth and fight for justice.”
He further challenged his abductors, declaring, “You can imprison me for 21 years, but you cannot silence me. I will not stop speaking against corruption and the misuse of power in Pakistan.”
Sana Amjad reveals threats against her mother
In a video statement, Sana Amjad revealed a disturbing aspect of her ordeal, threats against her family. She said, “They targeted my mother, a widow, to force me into submission. They used fake calls and pretended to deliver a wedding card to gain access to her house.” Sana added that unknown individuals intimidated her mother, demanding her location. “My mother refused to disclose anything, despite their threats. This incident left her traumatised and fearing for her life,” she said. Notably, she had recieved notices over her content few months back and there were investigation against her.
Sana, known for her pro-India stance, consistently advocates dialogue between India and Pakistan. Her videos have drawn ire from powerful figures. She questioned, “They believe praising India is a crime in Pakistan. But if leaders, including the Prime Minister, can do so, why can’t I?”
She also shared that during her captivity, she was subjected to verbal abuse and constant intimidation. “They told me that to silence my voice, they would have to ‘switch me off.’ But their torture has removed all my fear. I will continue to make videos that tell the truth,” she vowed.
A pattern of silencing dissent
Both YouTubers suggested that their abductions were part of a broader effort to suppress critical voices in Pakistan. Sana said, “In 2019, I stood in Liberty Market, openly asking people about their views on India. Back then, it wasn’t a problem. Why is it an issue now, in 2024? What has changed?”
Sohaib added, “It’s common in Pakistan to accuse someone of blasphemy or label them an ‘Indian agent’ to destroy their reputation and silence them. I was accused of praising India, but I will continue to speak facts. India’s GDP is ahead of Pakistan’s, and that’s the truth.”
Furthermore, he criticised the lack of support from fellow content creators. “Where are those who claim to champion free speech? Many stayed silent during my disappearance, either out of fear or selfishness,” he said.
Social media silence and international support
Both YouTubers thanked their supporters and Indian media for amplifying their plight. Sana expressed disappointment with Pakistani media and influencers. “Indian media stood by us, but most of our own media chose silence. This silence speaks volumes about the challenges we face as independent voices in Pakistan,” she remarked.
Sohaib, who plans to release more videos with evidence of his allegations, said, “I will expose the people responsible for my abduction. Each proof will show how political parties use intimidation to suppress dissent. They can no longer hide behind their power.”
The future remains uncertain
Both Sohaib and Sana acknowledged the risks they continue to face. Sohaib candidly stated, “My life is still in danger. They may succeed in their plans to eliminate me, but they cannot kill the truth.” Sana echoed his sentiments, adding, “Even if I am silenced, my videos will remain to speak for me.”
The shocking revelations have highlighted that freedom of speech is increasingly under siege in Pakistan. Their ordeal is a stark reminder of how Islamic states like Pakistan treat those who dare to dissent against the government.
